A special meeting of the Great Meadows Regional Board of Education was held on Monday, March 7, 2005, at Great Meadows Middle School, Independence Township. The meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM by Glenn Williams, President. A statement was read that adequate notice of the meeting had been given in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act.

Flag salute.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Helene Armstrong, Susan Cullen, Amy Dieteman, Peggy Faulborn, Robert Jones, Joe Mahal, Cynthia Russo, Steve Tierney, and Glenn Williams.

Absent: None

There were 20 members of the public in attendance.

Jim Alercia, Interim Superintendent, presented the 2005-2006 Preliminary Budget and discussed the main points of the budget which included the following proposed capital projects; demolition of the water treatment plant at Liberty School, domestic water supply controls at Liberty School, replacement of septic tank at Central School, and possible roof repair at Liberty School. Additionally, carpet replacement at Liberty School and boiler replacement at Central School were discussed.

Public Comments:

Mrs. Freidan, Independence resident, stated that if anyone wanted to compare K-8 and K-12, they can obtain that information from the Department of Education.

Mr. VonderHaar, Liberty resident, asked how much money is going back to the taxpayer? He was told $205,000.

Mrs. Freidan asked why the cafeteria people aren’t in the budget? She was told that only the shortfall difference is listed. She then inquired why we only budgeted $10,000 for the shortfall? She was told increasing the price, and with the hopes of trying to outsource or reorganize the lunch program, we hope not to have to subsidize it as much as in the past.

Mr. Wexler, Independence resident, asked if the 3% increase includes the capital projects? Glenn Williams explained that yes it does. Mr. Wexler then stated that on a $16,000,000 budget, he does not feel that we should be focusing on small pieces and that the concentration should be on the bigger projects.

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Peggy Faulborn to approve the FY2005-2006 Great Meadows Regional School District Budget for submission to the voters as follows:

Budget Local Tax Levy

General Fund $16,880,851 $10,227,818

Special Revenue Fund $ 247,000

Debt Service Fund $ 718,301 $ 502,401

Total Base Budget $17,846,152 $10,730,219

Motion carried in a voice vote – motion carried.

(Russo – abstained)

Motion by Helene Armstrong, seconded by Peggy Faulborn to apply for the following statutory spending growth limitation adjustments to the FY2005-2006 Great Meadows Regional School District Budget:

Enrollment $242,388

Capital Outlay $257,397

Special Education over $40,000 $ 14,238

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

Motion by Susan Cullen, seconded by Helene Armstrong, whereas, the Board must consider matters involving the Superintendent Search and Negotiations, the deliberation of such matters may be held in private under the Open Public Meeting Act NJSA 10:4-6, the Board will adjourn to Executive Session at 9:15 PM to discuss the above mentioned matter, to the exclusion of all others. If any action results, it will be taken following the re-entry into regular session.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

Glenn Williams recused himself with respect to the negotiations discussion due to a conflict of interest, and left the meeting at 9:18.

Motion by Amy Dieteman, seconded by Helene Armstrong, to re-enter regular session at 9:58 PM.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

Motion by Peggy Faulborn, seconded by Steve Tierney, to adjourn at 10:00 PM.

Motion carried in a voice vote - unanimous.

Sincerely,

Christina Sharkey

Board Secretary